HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY HALLE POOH!!!!

Our little Halle was sooooo excited for her Birthday!! She had been waiting and waiting for this day to arrive! I think she began to think the day would never arrive! She even began to wonder if we were all just using the words "it is almost your Birthday" to keep from buying her anything at the store. We would say maybe you'll get that for your birthday! It seems like a good way for them to deal with not getting something that they really want. It is like in the back of there little minds they have a little hope so they can leave the store with out throwing a big tantrum.

On December 21st one day before the big day, Halle went to my mom's to play. My brother had given her(my mom) some sugar cookies that he and a friend had decorated with a few Reese's pieces. They look like plane M&M's, so when Halle asked my mom if she could have a sugar cookie my mom said sure! Halle took one bite and spit the Reese's pieces out, but it was enough to send her little body into a crazy allergic reaction of vomiting, and wheezing. I seriously was scared out of my mind and I thought how horrible it would be to lose my spunky little girl the day before her 4th birthday. We ran her to the Doctor down the street and he helped get her to a point that we did not have to take her to the hospital. She was really bad and I realized how short life could really be. It made the day of her birthday even better, because I really did think she might die the day before. We are so grateful for our Excited, Happy, Mad, Spunky, Emotional, Lovable, Crazy, little red head Halle! Happy Birthday! I hope your always this excited about life!

We had a princess party and we invited just a few little girls to have lunch, make necklaces, decorate cookies, paint fingernails and faces!

The girls at the party all dressed up! I love how excited little children get! It makes everything so much fun!

The girls before lunch. They really liked drinking out of the wine glasses and nobody spilled.

Cheese!

I know I mentioned this before, but my sister is an excellent face painter! I seriously am not even joking about this, so I am going to go ahead and tell you if you need someone at your next party call her!!! She will even dress up like a princess (I'm sure she charges a little extra for that, but it would be worth it)(":

Halle has the Frog and the Princess painted on her cheeks. My brothers little girl said absolutely not to getting anything painted on her!! Another little girl told us her mom does not allow face painting!!!! I thought that was so funny!

Everyone was excited about their gifts and all the girls were so nice and kind! They must have good parents.

Brent even did a little dancing with the girls which is always a hit! Halle said to Brent on the phone after he had gotten stuck in Las Vegas (I really should blog about that it is hilarious) "Daddy I really need you to come home!! I want to dance with you!!" I think it melted his heart, because she yells at him most of the time(:

Next we had a family party, and Halle was sooo excited! She wanted the Three Musketeers Barbie and she was really hoping that she would get it!!!

Oh by the way I'm sure your wondering where I bought the cake! Well, actually me and my mom made it! I know it's hard to believe that we could make such a beautiful cake. You should have tasted it too. The perfect mix of coconut, gumballs, dry cake, cream cheese, and star burst. I have to say it just left you wanting for more!!!!!

Halle was still recovering from her peanut reaction so blowing out the candles was quite the feat!

Nanny and Grace(98 years old, sorry but I just had to include that) really in awe at the necklaces we made during the party. Wouldn't you love to show your work to them? You would feel like you were an artist! They also marveled over my food too so I felt like a great cook (even though I'm not(:)

This girl is fun to give gifts too. The excitement explodes from her. She was having a hard time containing herself. This is a little Fairy she got from her Manny in Utah!!

Aunt Natalie gave her this cute baby! I think Halle will be a good mommy she loves babies!

Then the moment she had been waiting for she opened a Three Musketeers Barbie from Grandma and Grandpa, and then she opened another Three Musketeers Barbie from Nanny and then another one from Mom and Dad. She was so excited!! WOW what a birthday!

Hayden and Kara also bought her jewelry from the school store with their own money. They were very proud of their gifts, and I was so happy they thought of buying something for her with their money that they had been carefully saving. Kara offered to let Kelton go in on her gift with her, but he decided he did not want to spend his money he would rather save his money and give her the roller skates that he new I had bought for her, for the kids to give to her. I guess we have a little work to do on him(:

Kara could not believe HAllE had gotten all 3 of the Three Musketeers Barbies! She was utterly in shock! It was rather funny!! I have to say it was a great day! Thanks to my Mom, Dad, Natalie, Brent, Hayden, Kara, and Kelton for helping me make Halle's birthday amazing for her!!

By the way Halle does not allow us to call her Halle pooh or stinky pants any longer. She thinks those are horrific names. We are allowed, however to call her sweet flower!

Girl Cousins!!

Our 2 cute little cousins Roxie and Teja came to stay with my parents for a week before Christmas! Lets just say my girls were in pure heaven! Grandma and Grandpa invited Kara and Halle to stay at their house every night with the girls!

Grandma probably has more stories than I do as they were with her most of the time! These are pictures I stole from her!!! I posted a lot of the food thing because these girls packed a picnic up all over her house!!!

Kara and Teja all dressed up in Grandma's new dress up clothes.

Everyone joined in for the feast!

2 little princessess. This is actually a sneak peak at Halle's birthday party!

Halle had so much fun! She even wanted to go home with her cousins. She said she would not even miss me! This girl spends every waking moment monitoring my where abouts and she was ready to move out.

Grandma is so much fun! She has everything set up just for her grand kids, and it is definitely a dream place for a grand kid! She makes play dough, reads countless books to the kids, dances with them, and always makes sure everyone is happy! Grandpa does what grandma and the grand kids tell him to do and that makes everyone happy too(:

The girls braved the cold and had fun jumping on the trampoline too! Every time I entered the room Halle was playing in she gave me a look like "I'm not leaving and don't even try to make me!" I think grandma and grandpa were a little worn out, but they never let on and they did such a good job taking care of everyone. My girls will remember this forever!! They thought sleeping at Grandmas with their cousins was AWESOME!

Some December Fun!

Kara and Brent sang for the ladies at the Sunshine luncheon. Kara sang Away in a Manger as a duet with Brent and Brent sang We need a Little Christmas!

I think they both did a great job!

Then we took a little trip out to Great Grandma Benges!
Grandma still has her toys from when I was a little girl and the kids all love to play with them.

They all are very entertained by the trunk of toys!

Grace, Teja, and Roxie all came for the holidays and we all drove to Emmett to put on a little show for Great Grandma Benge!

The kids all sang and the singing went, well, about like the picture!

The audience! Tiger thought it was funny!

Grace, Nanny, Katie and Grandma Benge down in Grandma Benges dining area!

The little girls sang while Kara played the piano. Hayden tried to play for the boys, but it did not go over very well! Brent and Katie also sang!

I'm a little behind on my updates, but I figure I have 2 long months with no excitement coming so I will slowly update my busy month of December.

Santa visits and the Church Party!

I'm trying to think of something exciting about this party, but I can't. We arrived a little late in full snow gear as we had pulled the kids behind the car on their sleds. The primary did a little musical number, it was so short I can't even remember the song. I think it was over by the time I got back to my seat.
I am not sure my kids even sang. Halle had a little moral support from a little friend.

Grandma and Grandpa came with Tiger!

Much more fun to sit with Grandma, Grandpa and Tiger!

I remembered my camera so I had to take a bunch of pictures. Hayden likes to be a big brother!

This year my kids could hardly wait to sit on Santa's lap. No one was scared and they were prepared with exactly what they wanted. I don't think we even saw Santa last year. We never go to the mall anymore so there really is not anywhere to see Santa.

Kelton some how was in the front of the line. I told him to come back and wait with us and he said, "Why, there isn't a line mom, all these people are just cutting." There really was a line I don't know what he was thinking.

Kara trying to keep her embarrassment under control. What they'll do to make sure their wish gets to the right person! Hayden decided he would skip sitting on Santa's lap. I guess he thinks he is too big!

Halle was sitting in the car with me as we dropped Kara off at piano. She had her Barbie with her. She yelled to me (not a surprise, I think she only knows how to yell) "I need to get out of the car!!!!" I said, "No were just dropping Kara off." She said, "Mom, my sister wants to play in the snow!" She calls her Barbies and any girl doll or girl friend her sister. Every time she talks about her sisters it makes me smile!

We also had a fun drive out to see some Christmas lights. Halle was so excited she could hardly stand it! She loved all the lights! We decided to venture outside the neighborhood to see some lights that were suppose to be really cool. The kids decided to fight the entire way! Then they decided to whine about everything under the sun! Hayden ended up grounded by the time we got home, Halle fell asleep (thank goodness she yelled so much I thought my head would explode), Kelton cried himself to sleep (because he did not get to stand near the cliff), and Kara stated "Why is everyone yelling and fighting so much when we should all be being nice this time of year." She did her fare share of fighting and whining too. I wasn't too happy either since it was freezing outside, but we had to ride with the windows down most of the way to endure the bad smell Brent was causing in the car.

Piano Recital!

Kara, Hayden and Kelton had their winter piano recital last night! I brought all my cameras, but left my SD card in the computer so did not get any pictures at the recital! Such a bummer, but really not a surprise so I could not be too bummed out. Kara played We wish you a Merry Christmas and did excellent! They never get nervous only me.

Hayden and Halle my two pistols! These two "Oh I don't know what to say about them!" I think the picture says it all!

Hayden is always a Soldier. He still walks around being a soldier. I remember one time when he was about six we went to eat at Chapolte and Hayden turned into a soldier marching all over going incognito occasionally, and shooting the enemy with his imaginary gun. He was totally in his own little world. I think the few people in the restaurant thought there was something wrong with him the way he was moving around so rigidly and then ducking out of sight intermittently!

Kelton is also taking lessons, but he was too scared to be in the recital. He could play his song really good, but we did not want it to be a bad experience so we let him opt out this time. Halle just dances and sings and copies Kelton, which I think is sweet but Kelton finds it annoying.

Hayden played Joy to the World! He was really excited and wanted to make sure I had invited everyone!!!!!!!!!! I did not invite everyone initially because I did not want them to feel obligated to go especially with the cold weather and busyness this time of year. Hayden on the other hand really felt everyone would want to be there and he was soooooo happy that Grandma, Grandpa, cousin George and Reggie, and Aunt Natalie showed up. He loves an audience and when someone shows up for him it means the world to him! Thanks guys for making the effort for them I know it was freeeeeeezing outside

Breakfast questions not answered by googling (who knew googling would become a common word).

Kelton wanted to know, "How did the first babies on earth take care of themselves?"

Kara wanted to know," if Adam and Eve were the first people on earth and they had children then how did anyone else get married since you can't marry your brother or sister?"

**Also I have a special disease. It is called homonym dysfunction. It was inherited from my father. It cannot be corrected by spell check, and sometimes can make for great laughter for those reading my writings. Instead of causing me insecurity I am embracing this disease and will continue to blog even though I continue to have this disease and no amount of proofreading or relearning can help me. So I will continue to spell the word here for hear and ant for aunt and there for their and two for too and wait for weight. Hopefully I will not pass this disease on, but I am afraid it is genetic so I probably have already passed the gene on to one of my children. They too will have to learn to deal with this special gift! I hope I continue to humor all who do not have this disease, because if you have this disease you never notice when someone else also has the disease, so there are not any support groups for these poor people! My dad and I are the only members and we are subject to the laughter and ridicule of our immediate family.

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow!

Yesterday I planned on doing lots of things. I had a big long list of all the stuff I needed to get to in preparation for Christmas, but instead we made Christmas trees for Kelton's class project and beaded some necklaces for Santa. I thought of lots of different ideas for Kelton's tree! He did not really like any of them. He finally decided he would string beads and then hang them on his tree. So he made a huge long string of beads and was very proud of it. He held it up and all of a sudden it magically came out of his hand (because believe you me he did not drop it!!!) all over the kitchen floor. I told him it was O.K. to cry over it. So we both cried a little (for different reasons). Then he refused to put anything on his tree except glitter. He likes to choose things that are easy to clean up like glitter. So we used every ounce of glitter in our home. He was very proud of his tree, and Halle was proud of hers too! He decided to make a necklace for Santa too with bells so we could hear him while he is in our house! Good thinking Kelton!
Then we spent about an hour getting ready to go out into the snow. I was a little worried that all the work I put into getting them ready to go out was going to be wasted by them coming in after about 10 minutes and stripping down, and then asking 10 minutes later if they could go back out! I was pleasantly surprised when they stayed out for a really long time. The slide is lots of fun when it snows and you have snow pants on. I tried it last year and about broke my tail bone when I sailed off the bottom. If your a 30lb. child the damage of landing on your bottom is insignificant.

Kelton decided he needed his helmet! It's a dangerous world out there especially when your Dennis the Mennis reincarnated!

So much fun to be a kid with out a care in the world! I wish I could be more like them! Also Kelton informed me that Santa should really have birds flying his sleigh instead of reindeer!

Story of the week***Brent puts up Christmas lights**********

I decide to go do some shopping for Christmas and leave Brent home to watch the kiddos. The kids have been begging Brent to put up Christmas lights. Brent has been giving about every excuse to not put them up, its too cold, too dark, too high........... The kids had actually given up and had been spreading the bad news that we would not have lights up on our house this year(I tried hanging the lights one year and it was a mess so I understand Brents pain). Brent, however, started to feel the pressure as everyone in the neighborhood was braving the weather to put up lights even our 65 year old neighbors (a.k.a my parents). So while I am gone he decides to put up lights. Kara and Kelton told him they would stay out and support him no matter how long it took. Lets just say it took a really long time. Brent had been worried about falling off the roof. This is one of the reasons I had told him not to put up the lights. I was worried he might fall off the roof too, especially since he had talked so much about falling off the roof. He had just finished putting up a strand of lights when he fell pulling all the lights down! Luckily he landed on the lower roof, and the only thing hurt was the lights that he had just pulled down. I missed the whole thing. Hayden was there and he informed us he would have called 911. Halle was also inside manning the phones. When I called she answered the phone. I said, " where is Daddy?" Halle "Oh he's on the roof" Me "Who is watching you" Halle "Oh I'm O.K. I'm in the house!" Me "Are you alone?" Halle"No Daddy is on the roof!" Everyone was alive and well when I got home! Brent was still a little mad about the lights, but the kids were very happy with them. We do still have our pumpkins out on the front porch. I do really need to get rid of them. Hopefully before Christmas the Halloween decorations on our front step will be removed, but no gaurantees the rate I'm going.

Have I mentioned I hate cold weather! I wish I could say I love it, but I don't.